I went for a run on the canal this morning. It was a warmer but still blustery day with some light rain. The canal is not quite as beautiful to run on as the canal in Toulouse. There are not the plane trees flanking the canal as in Toulouse but it is still a great running trail. At least the route I took, Reims becomes more rural and industrial quicker than Toulouse. I was interested as on one side of the canal there were grain silos and on the other was an older walled farm. It was an interesting contrast of old and new.

People were out walking, rowing and kayaking even though the weather was not that great so it was an enjoyable run.

I was also glad to see that the barge that was having issues with the lock last night had found the lock keeper and made it through the locks and was nowhere to be seen.

After the run and a shower, I headed back to Parvis for lunch. I tried a variety of good champagnes and had another delicious charcuterie board. While I was in Parvis, a number of Americans came in. A Viking river cruise had just docked somewhere not far from Reims and they were making their way from Reims to Paris. I am always amazed at how little Americans try to fit in when traveling to other countries. One woman walked in and announced that she did not speak any French without even trying to say Bonjour. They were all in a hurry as they had to meet for a tour of the cathedral. I tried to speak French the whole time. The owner of the shop commented that he thought I was French until he asked me a question quickly and I did not translate in my head quick enough to answer. Then he thought I was English so I guess I am doing a reasonable job of blending in. I stayed there for a long time enjoying the champagne as it started to pour at one point.

After lunch, I went back over to the Basilica of Saint Remi and went inside to view it. It was spectacular. I was amazed as for most of the time I was there, I was the only person in the basilica. It was build over a couple hundred years and represents Carolingian, Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It was the first Catholic religious building in Reims. Saint Remi baptized Clovis in the late 400s and was the start of Catholic France. Much of it was destroyed in WWI but is has been beautifully restored.

I decided I had to do at least one Champagne tour so headed over to the Vranken Pommery house. I did a tour of the Demoiselle villa which was built in the early 1900s in the Tout des Arts style which is basically Art Nouveau and Art Deco with all materials. It was somewhat over the top but interesting. For some reason there were lots of very large stuff animals scattered in different rooms. After the tour, I tasked the Brut Cuvee which was very good.

From there I went to the Pommery caves for a tour. The tour there is not so much about champagne but art. They have transformed the caves into a modern art gallery. It was interesting to wander through the caves and see the art. I cannot say that much of the art was particularly pleasing to me but the experience was definitely interesting. I had two tastings thrown in with that tour so enjoyed some Brut Rose after the tour.

After relaxing a little while and recovering from all the champagne I had tasted today, I had dinner at l’Apostrophe. I had Beef Bourguignon which was excellent even though it was not quite cold enough to get the full comfort food feeling.

After dinner when I came back out to walk home, the Christmas lights had been illuminated on the main walking street so I got my first taste of Christmas!

I indulged myself today with some of my favorite activities – running, exploring, drinking champagne, viewing art and just being mindful of the place where I am. My final indulgence was a great dessert assortment.